You Won't Believe This Town Is In Tennessee
Most people planning an alpine adventure or a serene retreat in the mountains wouldn’t think of Tennessee. Think again. Tucked away near the North Carolina border is a tiny village on the Appalachian Trail that’s a true hidden gem.
Not your typical Tennessee town, Roan Mountain enjoys cool summers and snowy winters. It’s one of the few southern states where you can book a skiing vacation and catch some powder on the slopes. Whatever season you visit in, Roan Mountain promises breathtaking mountain views with a range of unique natural features that make it a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway.
Roan Mountain’s Alpine Climate
If you’re visiting Roan Mountain in the cooler months, you may want to pack a few extra layers. While most of Tennessee enjoys a humid, subtropical climate, Roan Mountain has more of an alpine environment thanks to its high elevation in the Appalachian Mountains.
Year-round temperatures are generally below the state average, ranging from an average low of -4 °C in the winter and an average high of 26 °C in the summer. The area is known as a great hiking destination in the summer thanks to its relatively cool temperatures and low humidity. In the winter, it’s a skiing hotspot with an average of 100 inches of snowfall each year.
Unique Environment
The town Roan Mountain takes its name from the towering peak that rises above it. Roan Mountain has a summit elevation of 6,285ft making it one of the highest in the eastern United States.
The mountain and its neighboring summits are collectively known as the Roan Highlands, an area that has the longest stretch of grassy balds in the Appalachian range. Grassy balds are alpine meadows with unique ecosystems that support rare flora and fauna such as the tiny songbird, the Golden-winged warbler.
The other primary habitat in this area is spruce-fir forest, old growth trees that have covered the peaks since the ice age. This ancient canopy is home to diverse species including the Carolina northern flying squirrel, spruce-fir moss spider, and the northern saw-whet owl.
One of Roan Mountain’s most famous natural treasures is the rhododendron. The town is home to the world's largest natural Catawba rhododendron garden, a must-see in early summer when the blooms are at their peak. Since 1947, the town has celebrated the flowers with a Rhododendron Festival every June. The event attracts around 200,000 visitors each year to enjoy crafts, food, traditional music, and, of course, gorgeous flower displays.
History of Roan Mountain
Rhododendrons are such a big part of Roan Mountain life that they even appear in local lore and history. Legend has it that Native Americans came to the top of the Roan peaks to wage a fierce battle, and so much blood was spilled on the spot that it turned the rhododendrons from white to red.
Over the centuries, Roan Mountain has attracted a lot of interest, from botanists and explorers to Civil War soldiers. It was Union General John Wilder who kick-started the local tourism industry when he built the Cloudland Hotel in the 1870s. Just a few years later, the town became a stop on the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, bringing more visitors to town. It wasn’t long before Roan Mountain earned a reputation as a rejuvenating mountain retreat.
But there’s also a spooky side to Roan Mountain. High up in the Appalachians, the peaks have watched decades of history unfold and gathered a few folkloric tales along the way. According to one story, the mountain is haunted by a headless mule who was killed by a frustrated gold miner. Journeying through North Carolina, the miner was carrying a fortune in gold strapped to the mule’s back. When the mule became helplessly stuck on the trail, the miner killed the animal and stashed the gold in the mountains, which remains undiscovered to this day, while the ghostly mule haunts the site.
Another legend tells of a ghost choir high up in the hills. First documented in the 19th century, the Ghost Choir of Roan Mountain was noticed by herders roaming the balds who heard an eerie chorus-like singing in the wind.
Things to do in Roan Mountain
With its spectacular scenery and unique natural charms, it’s no wonder Roan Mountain has inspired many myths and legends. You can experience the incredible views for yourself on the Appalachian Trail.
A 13-mile stretch of the trail crosses the Roan Highlands, making the town of Roan Mountain a designated AT Community. Highlights of this section of the trail include Carvers Gap, a deep cleft in the mountainous ridges, and Roan High Knob, a climb through lush forest to a breathtaking overlook.
Enjoy more of the pristine alpine wilderness at Roan Mountain State Park which covers more than 2,000 acres including hardwood forest, the Doe River, and the Roan foothills. There are 12 miles of day-use hiking trails in the park as well as three miles of mountain bike trails. It’s also a popular destination for anglers as the Doe River is well stocked with wild trout.
The park is also home to the Miller Farmstead, an 1800s farmhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A fascinating example of rural subsistence farming in Appalachia in the early 20th century, the farmstead is open to the public for guided tours.
The Roan Highlands have become a sought-after skiing destination, attracting winter guests to the town as soon as the snow falls. You do have to go it alone however as the closest curated slopes are at Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort, both about an hour’s drive from town. If you’re an experienced skier and want to try cross-country skiing, the most popular trails are Carver’s Gap and other sections of the Appalachian Trail, as well as routes at Roan Mountain State Park.
Discover a New Side of Tennessee
Mix jaw-dropping alpine scenery with southern hospitality, and you have Roan Mountain. Just under 1,000 residents live in this beautiful hamlet year-round, and it’s known not just for its idyllic environment but also for its friendly atmosphere. Hikers on the Appalachian Trail, skiers in search of adventure, weekenders wanting a rustic break — all find a warm welcome in this historic trail community tucked into the shadow of Roan Mountain. It may not be your typical Tennessee town, but Roan Mountain shows visitors a new side of the Volunteer State.
